Polar solvent based device for storage and thermal capture of electrical energy

Abstract

A novel electrical energy storage system that includes one or more cells. Each cell includes a polar liquid, a negatively-charged-surface electrode, and a positively-charged surface electrode. An interstitial space is defined between the electrodes. The negatively-charged-surface electrode has a hydrophilic surface adjacent the interstitial space. The liquid includes a self-organizing zone in the interstitial space. Each cell includes means to increase and / or decrease electrical potential between the electrodes. Increasing the electrical potential between the electrodes induces expansion of the self-organizing zone in the interstitial space. Decreasing electrical potential between the electrodes (e.g., via current discharge through an external load) causes a contraction of the self-organizing zone.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 765,207, filed on Feb. 15, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention is in the field of electrical and electronic devices; more particularly, the technical field of electrical energy storage and capture devices.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Reliable, long-lasting, quick-cycle electricity storage is a missing piece of modern smart-grid infrastructure puzzle. Lack of such storage capability is the reason that electrical energy's utilization pattern has largely been a contemporaneous generator-to-load, closed loop since its characterization in the 17th century. Efficient storage of electrical potential has remained an elusive, yet desirable, goal.[0006]Early discoveries in chemistry and physics led to the development of devices such as the Leyde...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a new technology for electrical energy storage and capture devices. The technical effect of this technology is that it provides a long-lasting, inexpensive, safe, and environmentally sound solution for electrical energy storage and use. The technology is based on the formation of a hydrophilic exclusion zone (HEZ) in aqueous solutions, which can self-organize into a crystal-like structure that excludes solutes, particulate, and even H+ charges away from the organized HEZ. The size of the HEZ can be increased and decreased by controlling the influx of electrical or narrowband infrared energy into the system. This technology offers a better solution for large-scale electrical energy storage and use than existing technologies.

Problems solved by technology

These solutions, while not perfect, have yet allowed the use of electrical energy at times and in locations where immediate generation was not possible.

However, for large-scale (especially grid-scale) storage and use, both batteries and capacitors have some serious drawbacks.

Batteries have a very short lifespan in terms of charge-discharge cycles (currently, less than 10,000), some have charge-memory, some are very heavy, and nearly all are made with toxic and / or environmentally harmful chemistries.

Capacitors have a long lifespan but suffer charge leakage and have a very low capacity compared to batteries.

Unfortunately, some of the best solutions discovered so far use some very toxic chemistries, have high operating temperature ranges (over 100° C.

), or are very expensive and difficult to maintain.

Some (like Li-Ion) even have fire-safety risks.

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